burned out and fed up

Nurses General Nursing

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I've been hitting the allnurses discussions quite a bit in the last few weeks. Not only do I feel burned out and fed up, but I'm also reading a lot of posts from others feeling the same way. Frustration, anger, depression, stress . . . !!

Is this so common in nursing that it's an occupational hazard?

What is burnout, anyway? What are the symptoms?

How do you know when you've got it?

What do you do about it?

Does changing your job or situation really cure it?

Does nursing need to change in some fundamental way to keep nurses healthy and reasonably happy?

Are managements really to blame? What could they do differently? Where is the breakdown? Can if be fixed or just tolerated?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and experiences on this topic. For those of you who've read some of my posts, I'm out on a medical leave. Nothing physical. Just needing some time to regroup, heal from some major stress and depression, burnout! And, if possible, I'd like to avoid getting back here in a week (or a day) when I return to work. Just thinking about going back to work causes immediate anxiety! What do you do when you feel like this?

Do you guys have any idea how wonderful you are? Thank you!

This is probably really wierd. But, here goes:

Yesterday I got to thinking about this (instead of avoiding thinking about it) and I finally arrived at the question:

If I were my patient, what would I do with me?

I'd do an assessment.

I'd make a care plan.

And, I'd start implementing that care plan. Right? At first, it was just something fun to do. Then, I got really into it.

So, I brought out my Carpenito's and here's my "care plan."

1. Decisional Conflict r/t possible career change

Outcome criteria: Make a decision about keeping or quitting my job.

Interventions: Define what would be most helpful in decision-making process.

Explore other job opportunites within a 25 mile driving area.

Make list of pros and cons of keeping current job and finding a new one.

Make a list of alternatives.

Use prayer and meditation to make decision.

Keep my personal short- and long-term goals as priorities.

2. Moderate to severe anxiety and depression r/t job status, personal security, and "burnout"

Outcome criteria: Describe anxiety and coping patterns

Use effective coping mechanisms

Experience reduction in depression and anxiety

Interventions: Begin list of triggers.

Explore alternate therapies: aromatherapy, thought-stopping, music, relaxation techniques.

Say "NO" when unsafe working conditions are likely to cause anxiety

Say "NO" when personal boundaries are being violated.

Review assertiveness training techniques and/or take a class.

Everyday do something non-essential (blow bubbles, take a walk with dog, read something

inspirational, listen to music, etc.)

Begin to eat better and smoke (a little) less.

Replace broken VCR so I can do my Richard Simmon's exercise tapes again.

3. Ineffective individual coping r/t inadequate psychological resources to adapt to career pressures.

Outcome criteria: Identify coping patterns and the consequences of the behavior that results

Identify personal strengths

Interventions: Determine what things can be changed and which ones can't.

Make a plan to change the things that can be changed.

Read about stress reduction techniques and choose 1-2 to do.

Practice stress-reduction techniques when things can't be changed.

Be aware of feelings of guilt (It's all my fault, I'm to blame, I did something wrong).

Pay attention to emotions and body signals.

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Specializes in Everything except surgery.

WOW...well done Youda! Seems like you have decided to take charge of the problem...and in great style too..:cool: Way to go!

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Specializes in Home Health.

Wow that is awesome! I would have never thought of that.

Nursing truly is a part of you!

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Youda I loved your assessment and plan. I hope that when you reevaluate that you find that your interventions were effective....and remember the grass may be greener on the other side, but it is just more grass -and still needs to be mowed.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

my definition of "burn-out" is one of the reasons i have chosen to continue my education and obtain my rn. i felt "locked in" "not whole" and want to do "more" with the abilities i have and that i will acquire and learn as an rn.

hang in there.

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Youda, if you can do without or with less benefits, try part time or pool. You'll have more flexibility in scheduling and you won't have to deal quite as much with managerial boo-hockey. I'm doing pool right now and if it gets insane enough I still have the option to take a 4-week contract. That will help me regroup. Hang in there!!:kiss

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

youda.....beautiful and well directed care plan. i would have given you an a+++ had you turned in a care plan to me like that when i was precepting new grads. :chuckle wonderful goal setting.....great ideas.....great constructive thoughts for yourself. now that you've got the plan.....all ya gotta do is work the plan, babygirl, and you'll be stress-free. ;) :kiss

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Originally posted by Youda

Is this so common in nursing that it's an occupational hazard?

No. Every person is different, and we even change as time goes by. I've been burned out at middle management type jobs before, but healthcare is a vocation I have so far yet to see myself burning out at. As long as I can have patient contact, and receive a smile and pleasant face for the efforts I make, nothing can be more finer. I apologize, and all ready admit to having pedestrian tastes. Simple thinking people burn out less, I think. Your environment and genetic heritage can/does have a play in all this. Relax, even the earth has duldrums.:kiss 173649245 187215330

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

Your self care plan sounds very well done and worthwhile following (except for the part about Richard Simmons!)

To answer one of your questions though, for myself I can tell when I am quite burned out because I completely lose any shred of compassion I might ever have had.

PS--I love the name of this thread!

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LOL! I just like exercising to his Golden Oldies . . . and watching people who look like me jump around instead of skinny 20-year-olds who have no idea!

Update: I've been to the bookstore. I am reading a book on Stress Management and another on Buddha's meditation. My doctor will be so proud of me! :) And, A nurse I worked with a few months back is starting an agency. I emailed her and she said to just show up and I had a job. So, I'm going to go talk to her more this week.

You all have been so supportive. Thank you very, very much! It means so much when you're drowning for someone to throw you a line.

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go youda!!!!!!!!!

I am floating and loving it. Doing what I love, nursing.

micro

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Wow, I was just about to start a thread about the same exact thing!! I, too, am feeling burn-out...As a matter of fact, I was just talking to my fiancee about changing career directions altogether. I am an LPN- almost have my RN, and I'm considering not finishing up and changing to something else. Last week, I hurt my wrist and tore a couple of ligaments in my knee- and I've been doing this for a while. I could hardly walk, but I had to stay and finish a 12 hr shift so that everybody else wouldn't have to take my Pt's. On the same night, I also had a med error because we were slammed with Pt's coming up from the ER all night. We are all tired and overworked at my hospital, and half of us are starting to get really bad attitudes (myself included.) I don't see doing this for very much longer mainly because I'm having to face the fact that there is going to be a shortage for the rest of my career. It just doesn't feel that rewarding lately. Sorry for the long post, but this thread really hits home.

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